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sophiaserpentia) wrote2003-01-21 01:46 pm
sophiaserpentia) wrote2003-01-21 01:46 pm
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Exegesis of Paul's Epistle to the Romans, chapter 10.
Heresy rating: 9.9 out of 10.
What Paul writes about the "Jews" and "Israelites" in his letter to the Romans extends to anyone who is an adherent of any belief system but who does not have acquaintance with the divine.
He states in verse 3 that the Mosaic Law (and by extension all religious codes) are the product of human ingenuity not rooted in mystical experience. This is part of an argument that religions amount to an attempt to develop "righteousness." Note that Paul's use of this term does not necessarily correspond to modern understanding. In modern usage this word implies mainly moral purity, whereas what is indicated seems to be more of an intellectual and spiritual orthogonality. A close parallel might be found in the Buddhist notion of mindfulness.
Paul wanted to force his readers to think outside the box of religious mentality.
Paul demonstrates a bit of indebtedness to Philo of Alexandria, by arguing allegorically that the Law is rooted in reason. He writes elsewhere that the Law is "written on people's hearts" (cf. Romans 2:15, II Corinthians 3:2-3), challenging those who belong to any religion to explain the righteousness that can be found in people of other faiths.
His exegesis of Deuteronomy 30:10-14 is intended to show that even in the scripture the attempt is captured in black and white to express the immediacy of divine presence. One need not "travel high or low" to experience it. Rather it is right there, like a word on our lips ready to be spoken.
The person of inner harmony -- "righteousness" or mindfulness -- is someone who has achieved this kind of self-knowledge, so that one's words and actions "flow downhill" in accord with one's "higher will."
Is this an exhortation to replace one religion with another? This has often been read this way -- but it belies the real message of Paul and of Jesus, to remain permanently outside the box of organized doctrine.
If "works" according to the Law do not provide salvation, than neither can simply proclaiming that "Jesus is lord." One must wonder if "Proclaiming 'Jesus is lord'" is meant here as a figure of speech that represents outward participation in the Christian community. At that time and place, this meant cultivating fellowship with others who helped you to walk in mindfulness.
"Faith" and "believe" are translations of the word pistis which implies certainty driven by spiritual experience.
"Justified" here is again the word "righteousness" (dikaiosune).
"Saved" here is a translation of Greek word (soteria) that otherwise means health, security, safety.
So this passage might be paraphrased:
"That if you participate in the Christian fellowship, and seek inner certainty that God provides victory over death, you will find health/security. Inwardly you must work for certainty and practice mindfulness, and outwardly that you must cultivate health and security through fellowship with others."
This passage only makes sense if, as I argued above, Paul extends his arguments regarding Mosaic Law to all religious beliefs and practices.
After verse 18, Paul quotes from the Psalms and the book of Isaiah. This can only demonstrate Paul's point that the Israelites had indeed heard the 'message of Christ' if he means it figuratively! He means to demonstrate that prophets throughout the ages have lamented being misunderstood and misinterpreted.
Paul is saying, in short, that the truth is in front of your eyes, no matter what prophet you listen to.
Heresy rating: 9.9 out of 10.
Romans 10
[1] Brothers, my heart's desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved.
[2] For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on gnosis.
[3] Since they did not know the righteousness that comes from God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God's righteousness.
[4] Christ is the end of the law so that there may be righteousness for everyone who believes.
What Paul writes about the "Jews" and "Israelites" in his letter to the Romans extends to anyone who is an adherent of any belief system but who does not have acquaintance with the divine.
He states in verse 3 that the Mosaic Law (and by extension all religious codes) are the product of human ingenuity not rooted in mystical experience. This is part of an argument that religions amount to an attempt to develop "righteousness." Note that Paul's use of this term does not necessarily correspond to modern understanding. In modern usage this word implies mainly moral purity, whereas what is indicated seems to be more of an intellectual and spiritual orthogonality. A close parallel might be found in the Buddhist notion of mindfulness.
Paul wanted to force his readers to think outside the box of religious mentality.
[5] Moses describes in this way the righteousness that is by the law: "The man who does these things will live by them."
[6] But the righteousness that is by faith says: "Do not say in your heart, 'Who will ascend into heaven?'" (that is, to bring Christ down)
[7] "or 'Who will descend into the deep?'" (that is, to bring Christ up from the dead).
[8] But what does it say? "The word is near you; it is in your mouth and in your heart," that is, the word of faith we are proclaiming:
Paul demonstrates a bit of indebtedness to Philo of Alexandria, by arguing allegorically that the Law is rooted in reason. He writes elsewhere that the Law is "written on people's hearts" (cf. Romans 2:15, II Corinthians 3:2-3), challenging those who belong to any religion to explain the righteousness that can be found in people of other faiths.
His exegesis of Deuteronomy 30:10-14 is intended to show that even in the scripture the attempt is captured in black and white to express the immediacy of divine presence. One need not "travel high or low" to experience it. Rather it is right there, like a word on our lips ready to be spoken.
The person of inner harmony -- "righteousness" or mindfulness -- is someone who has achieved this kind of self-knowledge, so that one's words and actions "flow downhill" in accord with one's "higher will."
[9] That if you confess with your mouth, "Jesus is Lord," and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved.
[10] For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you confess and are saved.
Is this an exhortation to replace one religion with another? This has often been read this way -- but it belies the real message of Paul and of Jesus, to remain permanently outside the box of organized doctrine.
If "works" according to the Law do not provide salvation, than neither can simply proclaiming that "Jesus is lord." One must wonder if "Proclaiming 'Jesus is lord'" is meant here as a figure of speech that represents outward participation in the Christian community. At that time and place, this meant cultivating fellowship with others who helped you to walk in mindfulness.
"Faith" and "believe" are translations of the word pistis which implies certainty driven by spiritual experience.
"Justified" here is again the word "righteousness" (dikaiosune).
"Saved" here is a translation of Greek word (soteria) that otherwise means health, security, safety.
So this passage might be paraphrased:
"That if you participate in the Christian fellowship, and seek inner certainty that God provides victory over death, you will find health/security. Inwardly you must work for certainty and practice mindfulness, and outwardly that you must cultivate health and security through fellowship with others."
[11] As the Scripture says, "Anyone who trusts in him will never be put to shame."
[12] For there is no difference between Jew and Gentile--the same Lord is Lord of all and richly blesses all who call on him,
[13] for, "Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved."
This passage only makes sense if, as I argued above, Paul extends his arguments regarding Mosaic Law to all religious beliefs and practices.
[14] How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them?
[15] And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!"
[16] But not all the Israelites accepted the good news. For Isaiah says, "Lord, who has believed our message?"
[17] Consequently, faith comes from hearing the message, and the message is heard through the word of Christ ["God" in variant sources].
[18] But I ask: Did they not hear? Of course they did: "Their voice has gone out into all the earth, their words to the ends of the world."
[19] Again I ask: Did Israel not understand? First, Moses says, "I will make you envious by those who are not a nation; I will make you angry by a nation that has no understanding."
[20] And Isaiah boldly says, "I was found by those who did not seek me; I revealed myself to those who did not ask for me."
[21] But concerning Israel he says, "All day long I have held out my hands to a disobedient and obstinate people."
After verse 18, Paul quotes from the Psalms and the book of Isaiah. This can only demonstrate Paul's point that the Israelites had indeed heard the 'message of Christ' if he means it figuratively! He means to demonstrate that prophets throughout the ages have lamented being misunderstood and misinterpreted.
Paul is saying, in short, that the truth is in front of your eyes, no matter what prophet you listen to.